Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo’s alleged sentencing to receive 99 lashes in Iran has gone viral around the world.

This is because he hugged and kissed the painter Fatemeh Hamami on the cheek, who has 85% body paralysis. As a result, he was accused of adultery, according to several Spanish media, following a lawsuit filed by a group of lawyers.

The verdict would come into effect if Ronaldo returns to that country.

Adultery? What was Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture with an Iranian painter for which he could receive 100 lashes as punishment if he returned to Iran?

However, the Iranian embassy in Spain denied the court ruling, classifying it as unfounded news amid the developing conflict in Israel.

“It should be noted that on September 18 and 19, Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Iran to play an official football match and was very well received by the people and authorities. His sincere and human encounter with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities,” the statement said.

So far, the Portuguese has not responded to the rumor. (D)